Mini iPad Expected Soon

Apple is expected to launch a mini iPad in the coming weeks. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that LG Display and Taiwan's AUO have started mass production of LCD panels for the device.

"The smaller tablet will have a 7.85-inch liquid-crystal display with a lower resolution than the latest iPad, which was released in March," the paper reported.

Apple has released a new model every year since it first unveiled the iPad in 2010, but until now it has refrained from changing the display size from 9.7 inches. However, as 7-inch tablets such as Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire are becoming popular, Apple seems to have shifted its stance in response to changing market winds.

Earlier, Fortune magazine said the California-based tech giant will release a smaller-sized iPad on Oct. 17. Apple declined to comment on the report, while LG Display said it cannot disclose information about its clients.